Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons of North Dakota

Broad-Winged HawkButeo platypterus

The broad-winged hawk is a small, stocky, buteo that is found primarily in
the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota. Its small size and conspicuous broad black
and white bands across the bottom of the tail are good identifying characteristics.
Broad-winged hawks are usually found in habitats that are characteristic of
mature deciduous forests that also include brushy, woody margins. Prey selection
varies within the broad-winged hawk's territory.

Prey consists primarily of small mammals and reptiles, but it will also take
small birds, amphibians, insects, and even earthworms. It usually watches for
prey from a perch such as a telephone pole or fence post and occasionally hunts
for prey while flying.

Breeding occurs in late May and June in the hawk's northern US range. They
can be seen in North Dakota from late April until early September. Nests are
placed in a variety of trees and are rather small and poorly built, and are
ordinarily used only once. Broad-winged hawks lay 2 to 3 eggs and both the male
and the female incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation takes about
28 days and the young leave the nest for their first flight 44 to 48 days after
hatching.